Baby Boomers Expect More From Assisted Living Communities

With the daily increase in the number of baby boomers who are reaching retirement age and creating estate plans, it is becoming more and more apparent to assisted living communities that the expectations people bring with them into old age are much different than the generations that have come before.

It’s estimated that about 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 for every day between 2011 in 2030. These aging baby boomers are expecting retirement facilities that are much closer to resorts than they are to the traditional retirement home. For example, many baby boomers want to bring more and more possessions with them so they can make the community feels more like home than it otherwise would. This is prompting a design shift for retirement center architects as they must make more space for these possessions.

As a more active generation, baby boomers are also expecting more activities and facilities that will allow them to maintain their active lifestyles. While fitness centers and shuffleboard courts may still be there, they are increasingly being either replaced or added to with hiking trails, personal trainers, and Nintendo Wii fitness areas.

Of course, there is also the consideration these centers have to make room for the furry companions of retiring baby boomers. It isn’t enough to allow animals into the facilities anymore, as baby boomers are coming to expect washing stations, dog friendly parks or walking areas, as well as easy access to veterinary care.

If you are a baby boomer and creating an estate plan, you should think about what kind of facilities you would want to have in the event you move to an assisted living center.